Nebulizer

Abstract

A nebulizer with orientation independent operation is provided. The nebulizer includes an outer tube, an inner tube provided in the outer tube, and a mesh structure disposed above an end of the outer tube. A first channel, a main channel, and a second channel are formed between the outer tube and the inner tube. When in use, capillary force is created in the main channel, such that a liquid contained in the inner tube can be transported sequentially through the second channel, the main channel, and the first channel to the mesh structure. The liquid is nebulized and dispersed into the air through vibrations of the mesh structure actuated by an annular vibration source.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A nebulizer, comprising:
 an outer tube including a first wall, a first end formed with an opening, a second end opposing the first end and being closed, and a receiving space formed between the first wall, the first end and the second end; 
 an inner tube disposed in the outer tube and including a first side corresponding to the first end and formed with a first aperture, a second side opposing the first side and formed with a second aperture, and a second wall forming a main channel between the first wall and the second wall, wherein a first channel and a second channel extend from the main channel and communicate with each other, wherein the first channel communicates with the opening and the first aperture, wherein the second channel communicates with the second aperture, and wherein the first aperture is located between the first channel and the second channel; an annular vibration source configured for actuating and vibrating the mesh structure; and 
 a mesh structure bonded onto the first end and covering the receiving space, wherein the main channel is between 0.15 mm and 0.35 mm in width, wherein capillary forces occur in the main channel and 
 wherein the nebulizer is configured for use in an arbitrary orientation. 
 
     
     
       2. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , wherein the first aperture is less than the second aperture in width. 
     
     
       3. The nebulizer of  claim 2 , wherein the first aperture is at least 0.5 mm in width. 
     
     
       4. The nebulizer of  claim 3 , wherein the first aperture is between 0.8 mm and 2.0 mm in width. 
     
     
       5. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , wherein the inner tube further includes an inner space formed between the second wall, the first aperture and the second aperture. 
     
     
       6. The nebulizer of  claim 5 , wherein the inner tube further includes at least one vent hole formed in the second wall and communicating with the main channel and the inner space. 
     
     
       7. The nebulizer of  claim 5 , wherein the inner tube further includes a cap portion formed with the first aperture and adjacent to the second wall. 
     
     
       8. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , wherein the outer tube further includes an extension portion and a step portion at the first end. 
     
     
       9. The nebulizer of  claim 8 , wherein the mesh structure is provided on the step portion and abutting against the extension portion. 
     
     
       10. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are coaxially disposed. 
     
     
       11. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , wherein the main channel is less than or equal to 0.225 mm in width. 
     
     
       12. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , wherein the mesh structure includes a plurality of mesh holes. 
     
     
       13. The nebulizer of  claim 1 , further comprising a driving circuit configured for providing power to the annular vibration source.